When ever you talk about summer vacations, the first destination that comes to your mind is Uttarakhand. Reasons are obvious, cool climate, scenic mountains & valleys and unadulterated nature. But the Himalayan state is also blessed with the winter beauty. With its mighty snow clad mountains and clear blue sky showcases the raw and untouched beauty of nature.
So what are the places which you can consider for your next Uttarakhand trip? Here are some of the best destinations to explore in winters
Auli
Auli is one destination Uttarakhand which receive more tourist in Winters than in summer as the snow adds the charm to its beauty. Most of us know Auli as a skiing destination which is true in every sense. However, the destination is also an ideal place for leisure and adventure enthusiast. Watching snowfall while sipping a cup of hot tea/coffee, can be you one the bets travel moments. You can also try your legs in some joy Skiing on the natural slopes of Auli. For adventure lovers, some beautiful treks are their which can be explored. Kuari pass and Gorson bugyal treks are the popular one. Snow fall starts in Auli, somewhere in and around mid-December and lasts till first week of February. So, if you want to witness this beautiful act of nature, plan you visit within this duration.
Reaching Auli is bit tiring as you have to take long drives, if you are short on time and budget. If coming by flight, you can come till Dehradun airport. For bus and Train journeys, Haridwar and Rishikesh are convenient. Drive from Dehradun airport and Haridwar will take around 7-8 Hrs.
Check Out Our Auli Group Tour
Chopta
Another scenic destination in the Garhwal Himalayas is Chopta – a vast meadow in in the high mountains of Himalayas. Once a grazing land for the local farmers got popular among the trekkers as the camping grounds for night stays, has now become a popular tourist spot for nature lovers. During winters all this meadow gets covered with a thick blanket of snow which adds to the beauty of this place. This tiny grassland also paves way to the highest Shiva temple on earth known as Tungnath. This highly revered temple can be reached by a moderate trek of 2-3 hrs, however, it remains closed in winters (Nov- Apr).
Those who are interested in camping for a couple days, can certainly try Chopta. Spend leisure time at your camps or go for day treks to Tungnath or Deoria tal. Chopta will always enthrall you with its scenic beauty.
Chopta is around 20 kms for Ukhimath, the winter abode of Lord Kedar and around 220 Kms from Haridwar and Dehradun airport. If coming by flight, you can come till Dehradun airport. For bus and Train journeys, Haridwar and Rishikesh are convenient. Drive from Dehradun airport and Haridwar will take around 7-8 Hrs.
Check Out Our Chopta Group Tour
Nanital
Mountains and Lakes is a great combination are liked by travellers of all age. The scenic beauty of the mountains and the serenity of the water body is a perfect mix for a relaxing holiday. Nanital, nestled in the Kumaon Himalayas is one such destination. Most of the town is habituated around the eye shaped Nani Lake and hence got the name (derived from Nani Lake). Boating in the lake is the highlight of this place and one should not miss it.
Apart form the lake, travellers can visit the beautiful and auspicious Naina devi temple, take a ropeway to the top of the hill and enjoy gorgeous view of the city or explore the vibrant mall road market. If you are not done with the lakes, explore Bhimtal and Sattal which is around 30 minutes from here.
Even the famous Jim Corbett is an hour drive from here. Wildlife enthusiast can go for an morning and afternoon Jungle safari here.
Travelers can reach Nanital by road in 6-7 hrs from Delhi. Those who are not comfortable with the road journey can opt for Train till Kathgodam. From Kathgodam, Nanital is around 30 Kms.
Munsiyari
Not many of heard about this tiny hamlet in the Kumaon Himalayas, and those who have heard, might have visited it or planning to visit it in near future. Such is the beauty of Munsiyari.
Nestled at an altitude of almost 2300 meters, the place lives up to its name. Munisyari means “place of snow” in the local language and the snow-covered peaks, literally transform this piece of land, in to it. Since it is still counted as “roads less travelled”, it’s an untouched & unspoiled paradise waiting to be explored by nature lovers. Weather remains pleasant throughout the year with winters receiving regular snow fall. So, if you are into snow fall, this is the place for your bucket list. Munisyari is also the base for many popular Himalayan trek i.e Khaliya top trek, Nanda devi Base camp, Milam Glaicer etc.
A minimum of three-day stay is required in Munsiyari to get emersed into its beauty. However, reaching Munsiyari is a task and even from the closest Railway station which is Kathgodam, the journey is of 10-11 hrs. Same is with the nearest airport Pant Nagar. Hence it is better to arrive at any of these starting point and stop for a night at Kausani which is another famous hill station Uttarakhand
